I HAVE read with concern that the public is having to be warned yet again about buying puppies from unscrupulous breeders and traders, The Argus, April 13.

The Dogs Trust has highlighted the gap in animal welfare laws which must be plugged to protect all pet lovers from buying dogs from these people. Smuggling is still going on at an alarming scale and needs to be stopped sooner rather than later. Many dogs are too young to be entering the UK from abroad.

Dog charity PETS, which is now in it's seventh year, runs a scheme  to protect puppies from travelling in dangerous and cruel ways.

In 2020 and 2021, 1,018 animals were successfully rescued with a combined street value of £1, 742,000 so we are talking about big business and big money being made.

The government must act to close this loophole before they enter the Animal Welfare bill to Parliament. Dogs are living creatures and are entitled to all the protection they can get against people ready to exploit them.

Potential dog owners please be aware and find out as much about the dog you are intending to buy as possible. It could save you a lot of distress and money.

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